Refreshing new stop for Scenic Rim
Road-trippers exploring Queensland’s breathtaking Scenic Rim now have a revitalised icon to pull into, with the heritage-listed Commercial Hotel Boonah being carefully renovated, and the launch of a microbrewery, Boonah Brewing Co (BBCo), and an open-air beer garden right next door.
First established in 1905, the beloved Queenslander pub is being meticulously renovated by family-owned Ghanem Group.
The newly renovated bistro has reopened along with improved accessibility, air-conditioning, new furniture and lighting, and upgraded kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Upstairs accommodation is being restored to its original charm, and will welcome guests by the end of the year.
The redevelopment has also added a new drawcard to the property, Boonah Brewing Co, which is already pouring its first house-crafted drops – a full-flavoured mid-strength beer leads the lineup, accompanied by an alcoholic ginger beer.
The beer garden at the Commercial Hotel Boonah.
More BBCo originals are on the way, including an Aussie XPA brewed with Galaxy hops, an Italian-style lager, a rice lager, and a zesty hard lemonade.
They’re all made with pure spring water sourced from the family’s nearby farm in Tarome, where livestock are also being fed with spent grain from the brewing process.
The revamped hotel pairs these local brews with a brand-new bistro menu designed by Executive Chef Jake Nicolson.
Classic pub fare is elevated with a section of “Commie Classics,” featuring standout dishes like house-made Hake Fish Fingers and Chips, Tandoori Duck Curry, Smoky Beef and Maple Sausage with Gravy, and Slow-Cooked Glazed Pork Ribs.
Guests can dine in the bistro, or out in the breezy beer garden, which offers views into the brewery itself.
While the bistro and brewery are now open, the upstairs accommodation will complete the renovation. Then, the Commercial Hotel Boonah will stand as a fully restored boutique stay, strengthening the getaway offerings and food-and-drink experiences in the increasingly popular travel destination of the Scenic Rim.
Ghanem Group director Adonis Ghanem said the restoration was a deeply personal project.
“To restore a property so precious to locals, and to add to the region’s unique getaways and food-and-drink offerings with Boonah Brewing Co, is something we are very passionate about,” Mr Ghanem said.
Boonah Bull and Bug is one of the delicious items on the Commercial Hotel menu.
More to explore in the Scenic Rim
Beyond great beers and country pub charm, the Scenic Rim offers endless options for road-trippers.
The region is home to six national parks, where visitors can hike, bike, camp, or climb. Others may choose to drive through picturesque country roads connecting boutique wineries, charming farm gates, and award-winning distilleries.
Throughout June, visitors can enjoy the spoils of the annual Scenic Rim Eat Local Month with a line-up of family-friendly festivals, markets, on-farm adventures, long lunches, dinners, workshops and foodie experiences to explore.
Need a shopping fix? Head to The Emporium in Kalbar, which boasts an eclectic range of homewares, jewellery, art, clothing and skincare by local, national and international artisans.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, paddock-to-plate dining, or just a craft brew in a sunny beer garden, the Scenic Rim promises the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation – all just an easy one-hour drive from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
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